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JUNE, 2009
Introduction
LTE is commonly recognized as the preferred evolution path for 3GPP and 3GPP2 networks. The
evolution path of W-CDMA networks to LTE is the focus of a lot of industry attention. However, this is
not the only path to LTE for operators to consider, the evolution of GSM networks to LTE is also a
valuable evolution path, especially for GSM operators who have deployed Alcatel-Lucent Multistandard Base stations or are evaluating a GSM Infrastructure refresh plan.
deployment is costly, deploying LTE may also be a cost effective solution to provide
broadband access for IPS.
GSM evolution to LTE: a global offer
From the above, it is clear that the migration of GSM assets to LTE is critical, not only for
GSM operators preparing for tomorrow's growing demand for bandwidth, but also for
EDGE/HSPA+ operators in highly demanding markets, committed to deliver wireless
broadband service continuity to their customers.
A multi-standard
approach is key to an
easy LTE deployment
network. This smooth evolution allows operators to cope with growing demand in the near
term while paving the way to an eventual LTE deployment.
The partial or complete migration of GSM equipment to LTE improves the site capacity
and therefore puts higher constraints on the backhaul and transport network.
900MHz spectrum
refarming for coverage
enabled by SDR assets
(Software Defined
Radio)
Beyond the re-use of the cabinets, the value of co-locating GSM and LTE equipment also
lies in the ability to share or re-use the radio equipments, hence further reducing the
CAPEX. This flexibility is possible thanks to Software Defined Radio (SDR) equipment
which has the ability to support different radio access technologies, and jumping from one
technology to another via simple software upgrade.
In advanced markets, GSM/WCDMA operators will initially deploy LTE in new bands (e.g.
2.6GHz in Europe) to cover hot zones. In a second step, re-farming of part of the GSM
spectrum, especially in the 900MHz band allows for a broadband coverage in rural
environment and better in-door penetration.
Inlay or overlay?
The operator has two options: deploy LTE in the same band as GSM or in another band.
In the first case, or inlay deployment, some of the GSM spectrum is allocated to LTE. SDR
modules initially operate in GSM and the operator can dynamically allocate part of the
spectrum resource to LTE. The LTE capacity grows while the GSM capacity decreases.
In the second case, LTE equipments hosted in the GSM cabinets operate in another band,
therefore not impacting the GSM capacity.
2G
spectrum
3G
spectrum
New spectrum
for LTE
700 MHz
900 MHz
2100 MHz
2.6 GHz
and/or
2G
spectrum
850/900 MHz
3G spectrum
refarming
1.9/2.1 GHz
and/or
2G spectrum
refarming
850/900 MHz
3G
spectrum
1.9/2.1 GHz
Stateof-the-art
infrastructure
Technical
cooperation
Joint operator
outreach
Innovative devices
Market Research
Compelling
applications
IOT testing
LTE
Commercial
equipment
availability
A comprehensive portfolio
Re-use of the existing assets and seamless migration for ALU customers currently using
W-CDMA and/or GSM are key elements of Alcatel-Lucent LTE strategy. The smooth
evolution from both GSM and UMTS is enabled by a focus on:
Inter-technology roaming leadership
Reuse of existing investments i.e. BTS assets
Multi-standard Base stations
Integrated OAM solutions
Integrated transport capabilities
Simple module upgrade to existing cabinets
Addition of purpose built, high performance packet core elements
o Evolved from existing 3G platforms
o Designed to meet the throughput and processing demands of 4G
Digital module
9326
The Alcatel-Lucent fielddigital
proven 9326 W-CDMA
module
digital module is software
upgradeable to support
LTE, hence allowing smooth evolution of 3G hotspots to LTE. The 9326 can also be
integrated in any 19-inch cabinets. Existing Alcatel-Lucent macro cabinets, compact
Alcatel-Lucent 9326
cabinets, Multi-standard Base Station cabinets can therefore be re-used for zero-footprint
LTE deployment over an installed GSM network. More generally, 9326 can in principle be
LTE digital module
can be integrated in deployed in any 19-inch cabinet from any other technology or any other equipment vendor,
as far as environmental constraints are compliant. Alcatel-Lucent LTE solution can then be
GSM multi-standard
seamlessly integrated into existing cabinets allowing for re-use of existing assets such as
cabinet for zeroRF assets, power, backup, transmission equipment, antennas, feeders.
footprint LTE
In addition, the Alcatel-Lucent LTE digital modules integrate Ethernet bridge functionality,
deployment
enabling both LTE and 2G traffic to share the same IP transport network and reducing LTE
implementation costs. If needed, cell site aggregation solutions can also be provided for
better flexibility in using different transport option and greater scalability to support Multiple
Gigabit Ethernet & ATM interfaces. The solution will also benefit from the META program
driving evolution of mobile transport networks to IP.
Unified O&M
Planning
Alcatel-Lucent in LTE
Learn more
This section aims at providing some examples of migration scenarios from GSM to LTE on
Multi-standard BTS products. In all scenarios, the multi-techno cabinet is re-used; therefore
avoiding installation of additional cabinet or new site negotiation. The site, power supply and
battery backup are reused. It is assumed that the GSM sites have been migrated to B11, and
the IP connectivity on the GSM site has permitted the deployment of an all-IP transport
network thanks to the META solution. It is for illustration only, as real deployments will depend
on operators strategy and assets.
MCPA
MCPA
MCPA
SUMX
10
SUMX
11
MCPA
MCPA
MCPA
TRDU
TRDU
TRDU
SUMX
12
SUMX
GSM
LTE
13
Technical annexes
9326 LTE digital module
Low Power Consumption
14
15